The author's views are entirely his or her own (excluding the unlikely event of hypnosis) and may not always reflect the views of Moz.

Poor Jason Calacanis. He seems to want to be the Ann Coulter or Bill O'Reilly of the SEO sphere, where he'll say stupid, outrageous things just to get noticed and blogged about. (And yes, I'm blogging about him...shut up.) In a recent post he authored (I'm not going to link to it because I think he's an idiot), he talks about how there is no such thing as "blue collar blogging" and "A-List blogging":

Give me a break... there is no A-List in blogging. Just people who've been blogging longer than others and who are smarter or better writers--or all of those things.

So, aside from the bloggers who have more experience, are smarter, and write better, they're the same as every other blogger, and there's no such thing as "A-list" vs. "Blue Collar" bloggers. Okay...

This part really made me laugh:

What a joke... a couple of years ago Scoble, Jarvis, and I were the blue collar bloggers! We were hustling trying to get our voices heard and a couple of years later--after blogging daily/hourly--the supposed "A List" got some traction and attention.

Here is a tip: THEY EARNED IT!!! They busted their butts for years blogging in an intelligent way. They were not given their seats at the table--they took them!

There is no "A List" -- it's a myth.

There are people who blog every day, have something intelligent to say, and who get linked to more than the folks that are some combination of a) new, b) have little to say, and c)are not hustling.

If you want to be part of the A List you can do it in < 90 days:

1. Blog intelligently. Think about your post for a day before you hit publish. Do research--do primary research in the real work. Write something with insight, and include links to other folks ideas.
2. Go to 2-3 events or conferences a week.
3. Get a great domain name that is easy to remember and spell (i.e. buzzmachine.com).
4. Go to TechMeme and write an insightful piece daily about one of the top stories.
5. Start emailing other bloggers with feedback on their stories. (don't beg for links)
6. Be smart.
7. Don't be an idiot.

That's it... you're now A-List.

Jason, you moron. You said that "A-List" blogging is a myth, and then you go over the "simple" steps that you think will make you an A-List blogger. The bottom line is that not every "blue collar blogger" can become an "A-lister." It's just not going to happen. Some people are good writers and storytellers, some people are good researchers, some people can take the time to travel to conferences and do a damn good job of offering insightful coverage, and some people can dedicate a good chunk of their day to blogging.

Some people, on the other hand, simply can't do all of those things. There are just some people who are not inherently good at it. It's like saying that anyone can be a best-selling author--all you have to do is be a good, intelligent writer, write something insightful, and "be smart" and not "be an idiot." TADA! Best sellers' list, here we come!

Eating healthy and exercising daily isn't that hard, either, right? Thus, everyone should be trim, fit, muscular, and gorgeous! No, it doesn't work that way. Some people can have that dream body with little effort, but others have to follow a daily routine and have enough discipline to keep at it. The same goes for blogging. While some people can naturally do it well, others (such as those who maybe aren't great writers but can tell a good story and have the passion to blog) have to work hard in order to do it and keep doing it well, while still others aren't very good at it and only do it infrequently, meaning they'll never achieve the coveted, so-called "A-List" status.

So there you go. Another "SEO is bullshit, anyone can blog and be great at it (just look at me!), I'm Jason Calacanis and I'm a massive tool" post from SEO's favorite whipping boy. I can't wait to read his "Puppies Should Be Killed!" post...

About rebecca —
Rebecca Kelley is the content marketing manager for Intego, a Mac software company. She also guest-blogs/freelances at various places and runs a couple hobby blogs for shits and giggles.

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Comments
65

My first post on the blog and I get slammed. I already have a -4 rating and I just signed up.

I now know how you feel Becca when you voice your opinion. As everyone can tell I am new to posting since this is only my second post on this blog. I took to heart your comment on why you will not apologize and while I hate to admit I would have to agree with you. I realize that I was asking you to conform to my opinions instead of enjoying yours for what it is. I like this whole blogging thing where there is no one to tell you what to do . . . not even other bloggers. That is one of the reasons I love Mark Cubans blog, he doesn't care.

I like SEOmoz because of the valuable information I have gained on a subject that is new to me. So thanks SEOmoz for your posts. Rebecca continue to express your opinion without apologizing and thank you for the lesson learned.

I wonder if it is because you were harsh or if it was because they really don't agree with your opinion? I agree with your opinion I was just caught off guard thinking of this blog as more of a company blog and not a personal blog like Mark Cubans. That's why I posted my comment in the way that I did.

Jordan McCollum post on Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim blog "Break into the 'A-list' (Whether It Exists or Not)." Is what got me thinking about what I said about his blog. He mentioned that he really thinks "it's relative to who you're comparing yourself to."

He coontinued:

"Get people talking - have you noticed that I tend to voice my opinion, even when the masses take the opposite view? I’ve said many times, half the people that read MP do so with the mindset of “let’s see what idiotic crap Andy has to say today.” Think it doesn’t work? Think about why Calacanis is getting so much attention - his goes to the extreme and pisses-off whole industries!"

Quite frankly he makes some good points. Anybody CAN blog if they have some key skills. Number one being a good grasp of the English language. If you an dialogue coherently (and maybe with the jargon of your industry) then you're leaps ahead of the ESL blogger (for the English audience.)

On the other hand yes, the marketing aspects and quality of blog posts takes a certain amount of skill that random Joe Schmoe bloggers with good Enligsh can't accomplish.

Sometimes I get the sense that people want to attach more fame to their occupation than is appropriate. "Coveted A-list?" I think "coveted 6-figure income" is probably the more relevant term.

Being an outsider in all this it makes me laugh a little, everyone getting all worked up, like this was hollywood or something. SEOtainment Weekly.

I've never read anything from Jason (except the post referenced here), and other than the 90-day claim, his advice probably has some merit. Just like your advice for getting a great body has merit. It doesn't mean everyone can do it. But the road map is there.

This post sounded more like someone's need to vent about someone they didn't like than something of substance. Ask Rand to install a heavy bag at the office - you can take out your frustrations there, and it won't need to spill out here.

And as an added bonus, work the heavy bag enough and you might end up with that coveted, A-list body. ;)

ya, we spotted that too. Kind of like a wreck on the side of the road... you just can't help but look.

Wow, I'm way off, I was guessing that it would have taken at least 10 steps to become an A-Lister... I mean, if they were to exist... I'm so confused... does this have anything to do with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny?

I think this plays in nicely with Rand's early post about the linkerati. There's a point where success begets success... or it's a sort of inbreeding, depending on how you want to look at it.

Those who reach that level of success where they actually shape results, they can steer traffic to or from some place, their linking can help propel a site to the top of the SERPs, etc., are also less likely to extend too far outside of that circle.

This isn't always the case, but certainly a fair amount... they don't want to jeopardize their own reputation by appearing to recommend someone else who may not be proven yet, or who may have a great post that you link to and then every post after that is crap, or it is just the result of not being in the scoop, so if you are in the know, how likely are you to link out to someone who is merely rehashing, even if they do have their own style?

Hehe, nice rant rebecca! I think you made some excellent points, especially about the simple 90 day magic formula.

I think it's pretty obvious that there is seperation between bloggers in the sphere. Call it what you will, some are just better at it than others much like everything else. I agree that most "a-listers" earned their title, but I dont feel that it was just because they had been around forever or just by blogging everyday.

Most really good writers have a way with people and words and I think the group of a-listers are just that, really good writers with a bit of a talent for social interaction.

Is there even 2-3 conferences a week to attend on blogging? If so, how could anyone going to that many have time to actually blog and run their site (talking about solo writers, not a team)?

I don't think JC meant 'major conferences'. There are a lot of conferences, seminars, service group, chamber meetings and such in every community every week. My own guess is that JC meant get off your butt and network! You get ideas and build your audience.

It's not a bad idea either, especially if you are a one man or woman army. One of the upsides to working in a group environment is that daily conversations can provide ideas and insights for frequent posts. If you work alone you need to get that group interaction some other way. Either that or develop conversational multiple personalities. :)

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. If you're *complaining* about not being A-list then you should run down my list of suggestions and try them. Now, if you're not interested in being on "the A-list" (let's leave aside if it exists for now) and you're not complaining I'm not talking to you right now--you're a normal person with a healthy view of the world.

The post was to the people complaining that the A-list was holding them back... that is insane. No one is holding anyone back in the blogosphere. I'm here because there is an intelligent discussion... if there is an intelligent discussion here tomorrow I might come back every day--that's how it works. Very simple... do good work and you get more traffic. End of story.

I think I get what you mean with the A list bloggers. The problem comes in how you've expressed it. It's not that there are no bloggers that are more influential than others, it's that there aren't any who got there without paying their dues. No matter who they are, at some point they worked to get there. You aren't born with contacts, or knowledge: you get them over time.

Jason I'm with Pete's comment above. I can understand the idea being that A-listers became who they are because of hard work, talent, etc and nothing is automatically holding any of us back that isn't currently in that group. I think te idea that a certain subset of bloggers is holding back everyone else is also a ridiculous argument. Most of the people at the top got to the top after putting in their dues at the bottom.

But you do have to understand the way you say things makes a big difference in how the message is interpreted. If you say there is no A-list and then tell people how they can become part of the A-list how do you think people are going to see that.

I read the post Rand linked to above and I also read your last controversial post. And I agree with a lot of what you say. However it's one thing to say it in a way that is meant to inform and spark discussion and another to be purposely controversial to draw attention to yourself. I can't ascribe motives to you, but it comes across as the latter.

Where do the 9 thumbs down come from on this post? The content is entertaining, the subject matter is relevant, it forces you to think about the blogosphere and how Jason NEVER mentions that SEO and online strategy and building a great site enter into the equation. I'm missing something here, folks.

Maybe Monday was unofficial gang-up-on-Rebecca-she's-a-tough-girl-and-she-can-take-it-day.... If so, why didn't I get the memo?

Jason if you comment on a blog about SEO where a large percentage of people reading and commenting are practicing SEOs and you recommend we don't waste our time with SEO why would you expect any reaction other than what you get? I think we already know the answer to that question.

You also practice a lot more SEO than you seem to want to admit. Building a great site and writing compelling content is part of SEO. In fact all the things you suggest doing are part of SEO.

And if you don't do any SEO why did you set up redirects on your site or why add meta tags? Why the controverisal linkbait hooks?

Cause that Rebecca person probably intercepted it from you to keep you in the dark, thus completing one more task on her list of evil. ;-)

Everyone has an opinion - you can agree or disagree (I am actually indifferent to the topic anyway), but I personally give kudos to Becs for the sheer balls behind her post.

It isn't everyday someone is brave enough to state their opinion to what they know will be tens of thousands of eyeballs and put themselves square in the line of fire for what they know may be an unpopular opinion.

You won't always be liked by everyone, nor should you try to be. Becs should take every single thumbs down she gets with pride - because she pissed someone off enough to press it. She gained reaction from the post - negative or positive... the point is that people listened and reacted.

A quote comes to mind: "It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not."

Interesting that the top 4/5 people on SEOmoz by points are also the most thumbed down, and I'm the most thumbed down below, and the person who is going up in the numbers fastest (I have no life). Thumbs down mean that you're saying something people don't nec. agree with. And that's got to be a good thing. Because that leads to debate, which helps us sort out exactly what's what.

I don't think it was gang-up-on-Rebecca day. This read like an amateur post - someone just bent on airing negative feelings about someone else. For example - how many people have you publicly called a moron, Rand? Does calling someone a moron publicly make a person or organization look more professional or less professional? Did it help or hurt SEOmoz?

Maybe this is just me feeling this way, but this site was built on top-notch content and discussion, and at the very worst, respectful criticism. This post falls outside those parameters, and in my opinion, puts it on the path to appearing gossipy.

I guess you feel that SEOmoz isn't allowed to convey any sort of emotion, humor, sarcasm, or snark, because that would just downgrade our professional blog and make it seem "amateur."

If Rand thought this post made us seem less professional, he wouldn't have let me publish it; instead, he urged me to write something about the topic and supported my opinion and how the post was written.

Besides, calling Jason Calacanis a moron is hardly unprofessional these days, especially in the SEO sphere.

Rand, I'm really surprised to read your response (below). There are orders of magnitude difference between having a different take on a situation and flat out namecalling. For some folks that difference is crystal clear to see, but for others it's very murky. Each lives with the consequence of their ability to make that distinction.

I'm still of fan of the site and content, but felt the need to call out this change in philosophy/direction.

Robert, while I'd agree that the blog was built on my very reserved voice, I love that others in my company, Rebecca in particular, but Jane & Scott and Matt, too, (sorry, Jeff - you're like me; far too friendly), can express their more emotional and outgoing voices.

SEOmoz has always tried to present different voices and different styles - it's why Michael Martinez was a blogger here and G-man and EGOL, all of whom have massively different takes on subject matter and presentation style.

Whenever there's passion about a topic, there will be those who love it (as I've seen many do like Rebecca's posts more than mine) and those who don't (like yourself and several others). I think it's worth being exposed to all of these; a myopic blog is a tedious blog and I hope all our readers, like it or hate it, can at least appreciate the exposure to unique points of view and styles.

90 Days? I don't really think that's possible without being outrageous, bizarre, or bordering on the negetive. I'm tired just thinking about the effort. But then again, its 1:18 in Sydney.

Here's one that will do well. How about a blog entry for each soldier killed in Iraq. The menu to the left can list the countries. Controversial, yes, 90 days, for sure. The SEO will be a breeze - one simple Digg entry.

Did I upset anyone? Well if I gots to blog a blog in 90 days that's what needs to be done.

Does your basic opinion that there is no "A-List" change based on the direct target audience of the post? not really. You seem pretty adament that there isn't really a top tier out there that effects the rest of blogosphere. (and if there is, it's totally attainable for certain people -which I agree with to an extent. It's like being the person who says "screw you, I will lose weight by dieting and exercising and stop trying to take shortcuts!")

You sound kind of bitter that there are people taking "shortcuts" to what you had to work very hard to achieve. I recogonize it because I've felt it. I know what it's like to work very hard to attain something, and then have someone show up, put in little effort and think they deserve the world, and be seemingly held at the same esteem. It reminds me of getting pissed at people who drive through the parking spaces in the parking lot instead of staying in the marked lanes/pathways--or the guy on the highway who passes on the right the first chance he gets so he can pass the slow ass car that I'm stuck behind--even though I've been patiently working and waiting for a chance to break free.

Your advice to the "whiners" on how to become the coveted phantom A-List blogger is all about time and hard work--which directly goes against the purpose of the "blue collar blogging" as defined in the original post by Tony Hung. Maybe I missed the part where those people were complaining about being held back by A-Listers. If I did, I'd love a link so I can catch up.

I think that you were a little harsh. A blog is supposed to be a place where you can voice your opinion. Even if he is a "moron" we don't want to hear about it. We can make that judgement for ourselves and don't need to spend our time reading a post about why you don't like another blogger.

I haven't been a reader for very long of this blog and I was tempted to unsubscribe to this feed. I really enjoy this blog and have learned a lot. But try to focus on what you do well and not on what someone else doesn't. I think that you should issue an apology and let it be known to all the readers that this isn't a blog that makes fun of others posts.

I think that you should issue an apology and let it be known to all the readers that this isn't a blog that makes fun of others posts.

Sorry, I'm not going to do that. Rand forwarded me the three posts he pointed to in this entry, and he urged me to write my opinion of it and post it on our blog. I did just that--I wrote a post that expressed my opinion.

If you haven't read our blog for very long, then you clearly don't know that sometimes we all (not just me, but Rand, Matt, Jane, Scott, and Jeff) post entries that reflect our personal opinions. That's what makes blogs interesting and readable--the injection of human emotion. If you don't want to read something of this nature, then feel free to unsubscribe, but I'm not going to apologize or compromize my beliefs.